Worcester, state police to crack down on distracted driving

WORCESTER — Starting Monday, police officers in marked and unmarked cruisers will be checking to see if drivers are texting, perusing the Internet or engaging in any other type of distracted driving.

The department is launching "Operation Distracted Driver" in an effort to curb a trend police officials said sometimes has deadly consequences.

Officers will keep a close eye out for — and cite — distracted drivers over the next several weeks. Additionally, the department will use Facebook and Twitter to educate the public about distracted driving.

"This is something we are seeing more and more in the accidents we are investigating and we are getting more and more complaints from the public concerning this illegal driving behavior," Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said. "We are looking to change the driving habits of people to protect others on the road, the drivers themselves and pedestrians."

State police have also announced that through June 28 they are "redoubling" their efforts to combat distracted driving. Troopers will concentrate on drivers violating the state's ban on texting while driving, state police said in a news release. Marked and unmarked vehicles will be used.

"Massachusetts drivers should understand that this initiative is not focused on revenue enhancement. The goal of the operation is to educate the public, support the media campaign, and save lives," said Lt. Stephen Walsh, commander of the state police Andover barracks and the operational officer of the initiative. "Unfortunately, many motorists will not comply with the laws focused on distracted driving without the very real threat of penalties."

It is illegal in Massachusetts for anyone to compose, send or receive electronic messages or other data while driving. A $100 fine is issued for the first offense, and fines can go as high as $500 for repeat offenses.

Drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a mobile device.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that in 2012 more than 3,300 people were killed and roughly 421,000 injured in distracted driving crashes nationwide.

Changing people's behavior is a main goal of the Worcester police campaign. People are so attached to their mobile devices they find it hard to let go and concentrate on the road, Chief Gemme said.

Law enforcement has reduced drunken driving through similar campaigns.

Worcester police will be stationed at busy intersections throughout the city. Officers will use discretion when determining if a violation occurred, Chief Gemme said.

The department is reviewing whether cellphones can be seized as evidence of a violation. Chief Gemme said it shows how serious police are about the issue.

The department will use a blend of grant funding and some overtime money to pay for the new campaign.

Along with Worcester and state police, Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. continues to give speeches at area schools on the dangers of distracted driving.

"I will not text and drive," Chief Gemme said. "I very rarely answer the phone while driving. The phenomenon has really engulfed society. People really don't want to be detached from their devices."

Texting takes drivers' eyes off the road, causing visual, manual and cognitive distractions, Worcester police said in a news release. It is not uncommon to see a car swerving because the driver is text-messaging, officials said.

Police say they really hope the enforcement action pushes people to change behaviors.

"Over the long term if people don't, the roads are going to be much more dangerous than they are today," Chief Gemme said.